What to look for buying 2011 Lexus CT 200h?
Hi,
I am thinking of buying a 2011 Lexus CT 200h with 180,000km on the clock. It would be my first hybrid vehicle. What should worry me before buying? Would I need to change anything?
Regards
Emil
Emil Mchaki (Maseru)Mar 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Emil,
As far as reliability and solidity go, there’s nothing to worry about. As long as it comes with a full service history and has been looked after by its previous owners, it should prove to be one of the most reliable cars you could possibly buy. Now, things to worry about — space; the CT 200h is very comfy and nice up front, but space in the back seats is quite poor and the boot is small, so bear that in mind. Secondly, economy. The CT 200h uses an older hybrid system, derived from the third generation Toyota Prius, and it’s quite tricky to get the best economy from it. As long as you drive gently, and mostly in town, you should be fine, but longer journeys, especially on the motorway, will seriously hit your fuel consumption figure.
We need a new family car for under €25k.
Hi,
We are in the market for a new family car that is low maintenance, fits three car seats and preferably be on or just above the €25k mark. We do very little mileage, we currently do one round trip of about two miles to a creche and back with some longer drives at the weekend, but rarely. We both commute by public transport for work. We are considering hybrid/electric as we drive so little but to be honest with the research I've been doing, it seems most hybrids start at €25k and i'm prepared to consider a petrol model if it kept us below that price and suited our needs. We have no brand loyalty at all, but more interested in the ones that offer long warranties.
Any suggestions?
RUTH COONEY (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
I think to get what you need, your best bet is to buy second hand and go for a Toyota Prius+. It’s ideal for low mileage users, has seats for seven and will be incredibly reliable. Just be aware that on longer journeys it will be considerably thirstier.
You could go for a nearly-new Prius or Kia Niro (or a Hyundai Ioniq), but I fear they wouldn’t have the rear seat space that you need. That said, it will depend on how old your kids are and how big their seats are. If you have at least one on a booster cushion (and the Bubble Bum inflatable one is very good for middle rear seats) then you might squeeze in.
Honda Jazz or Suzuki Baleno?
I'm trying to decide between the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Baleno. Things that matter to me: rear seat comfort, front seat comfort, space overall, boot space and power.
Manav Abhijit (Ranchi)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Manav,
The Jazz basically has the Suzuki beaten in every metric you’ve mentioned here, except for boot space (the Baleno has a single, solitary, extra litre of boot volume) and, depending on which model you go for, power.
The Baleno can be had with either a 90hp 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 111hp turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol ‘BoosterJet' unit. The Honda comes with a choice of 1.3 or 1.5-litre VTEC petrol engines, with either 102hp or 130hp, but it’s worth remembering that the basic Baleno comes as a mild hybrid, so it has a tiny electric motor that can boost power for a few seconds at a time, and is very economical.
Why does my SEAT stop-start not work?
I have a 2011 SEAT Leon Ecomotive SE 1.6 diesel and the stop-start system is not working. It seems to have decided to stop working and when I try to use it the message on my dashboard is 'start/stop is not possible.' I have checked the tyres and the pressure and they seem to be within spec. Can you advise what I need to do to get it back working?
Thanks
Anne Marie
Anne Marie Connolly (Mullingar)Mar 2018 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie,
Stop-start systems on cars will stop working for a variety of reasons, some of them outside your control, but if you think your SEAT still has a problem after looking through this list of possibilities, best bet is to get the car along to your nearest SEAT dealer to check it out:
- Ambient temperature too cold
- Ambient temperature too hot (unlikely in Ireland!)
- Battery in poor condition
- Driver's seat belt usually must be on
- Driver's door and bonnet usually must be closed
- Engine temperature is too low
- Climate control settings may force the engine to stay on
Hope that's of some help. This question by an Audi owner has proven very popular and is mostly applicable to your car too.
Which car is best for motorway driving?
Hi,
I am currently driving a 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.0-litre. Now I am planning to upgrade to a bigger car since I will be driving regularly on the motorway. My budget is around €3,500. What cars can you suggest that are comfortable to drive for longer distances? I have Suzuki SX4, Mazda3 and Skoda Octavia in mind.
Thanks in advance
Hago
Hariprasad Govindharajan (Shannon)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Hago,
Of the three you’ve mentioned, we’d discount the SX4 first. It’s a decent car, but a bit tiny and noisy for long motorway hauls. A Mazda3 would be much better, and hugely reliable, but the Skoda will have a slight edge in terms of comfort (really good seats) so go for one of those would be our advice. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Which of these 2010 SUVs to go for?
Hi,
What would you choose betweeen 2010 Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery? Reliability; safety; and family functionality are the main criteria. I know all would have high running and service costs in particular the Disco and Q7. Image isn't important to me! I have 16, 15 and 6-year-olds and new baby soon, and a nutcase of a labrador havs to be accomodated!
Many thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
If reliability is a key factor, then leave out the Land Rover. We love the Discovery to bits, but they just have a poor reputation for reliability. Of the other two, the Audi would likely be the most reliable overall, but we have a big soft spot for the XC90, which isn’t far behind on reliability and has the edge when it comes to safety, plus there’s a little more room in the third-row seats. Make sure it comes with a full service history, and if it’s a four-wheel-drive model, get it checked to make sure that the clutch that controls the system hasn’t burned out.
Looking for a large family car...
I'm looking for a family car and have two children under three.
I've had coupes (currently in an Audi A5) all my life so ideally I'd like to switch it up and get an SUV. I'm at a loss of what to get - I'd love the Volvo XC90 and can afford it, but the pragmatic side of me is telling me not waste a huge amount of money on a depreciating asset like that, no matter how great it is.
On the other end of the scale I think the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great looking car, but I can't stand the plasticky feeling of the interior and the ugly interior layout. Do you have any recommendations that would allow me to keep the luxury feel of my Audi, but not cost the earth like the Volvo?
Or... do I just compromise and get a 3-4-year-old Audi A6 Avant estate?
Rich K (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rich,
OK, there’s a lot to unpick here. First of all, any car you buy (other than perhaps a classic Mercedes SL or an old Ferrari) will be a depreciating asset, so there’s not much point in thinking that buying one car over another will save you from that. Obviously some cars depreciate a bit less than others, but they do all depreciate in the end.
The XC90 is a cracking car, a really good one, but as you rightly point out it’s big and expensive, and if you’ve only got the two kids, you probably don’t really need the seven seats. The Santa Fe is an excellent car, reliable and hard-wearing, but you’re quite right that the cabin can be a bit low-rent at times. It might be worth having a look at the Kia Sorento — mechanically identical to the Santa Fe, but a touch roomier and we prefer the Kia’s interior. Also well worth having a look at slightly smaller seven-seat SUV rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, all of which have genuinely excellent interiors and are good to drive too.
Mind you, once again, you’re right — you don’t need an SUV (no-one really does, but that’s a debate for another day) so actually the idea of an Audi A6 Avant estate is a really good one. You already like Audis, they’re great for quality and reliability and look awesome into the bargain, and have plenty of space for two growing kids. Worth looking at a BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate too (the BMW’s a little better to drive, the Mercedes is bigger inside) and well worth checking out the gorgeous new Volvo V90 if the XC90 has taken your fancy. Here are all our reviews of the above cars to help you decide:
Which cars suit swivel passenger seats?
Hi,
Just wondering which car is best to buy for a swivel front seat passenger as my sister has difficulty getting from her wheelchair to the passenger seat. I thought a swivel seat may help. I drive a Passat, but I was told these are not suited for swivel seats.
Thanks
Linda Fagan (Co Louth)Feb 2018 Filed under: wheelchair
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
To be honest, we’re not really the experts when it comes to vehicle access in this respect, but we do know the right people to talk to — Motability Ireland, who can be contacted at www.motabilityireland.com
How much could I sell my Merc coupe for?
Hi, I’m just in the process of getting Irish plates on my Mercedes E 350 auto Coupe BlueEfficiency (first registered on July 2009), which I’ve had in London for four years. It has a panoramic roof, electric mirrors, heated seats, satnav, AMG seats and 68,000 miles on the clock. How much can I expect to sell it for privately?
Thanks,
DD
Dave Downey (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
A tricky one to value, mostly because the Irish market tends not to like the big engine option, even in something like an E-Class Coupe. I think you’re looking at a value of around €10,000, but it could be challenging to find a buyer.
Is the Volvo XC90 a good family buy?
Hi lads,
I've 16, 15 and 5 year olds and another one on the way. I have a Volvo S80, but will need to change. I don't like MPVs as the rear seats are too close to the back of the vehicle so if you have a tip I'd be worried about the back two. I saw a 2010 Volvo XC90 the last day in a car park and it had two child seats in the back, two in the middle and a 15-year-old by the window and the two parents. I asked them what did they think of it. They said they had a Discovery before but found the Volvo more family oriented, safe and reliable. Would you agree? What else would you consider?
Oh, I've a daft labrador as well that would have to go in the boot!
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Jan 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
The old-shape XC90 is definitely a good choice and yes they’re reliable (as long as you get one with a full service history and keep it looked after properly). They can be a little expensive to run, though, with big thirsty engines and high motor tax rates. It would definitely be worth considering the likes of a SEAT Alhambra or Ford S-Max as well, if you’re looking for lots of seats and space, or even a Volkswagen Caravelle or Shuttle if you want the absolute maximum in terms of seats and cargo room. Definitely room for the labrador in one of those, even if you don't like the look of the MPVs...